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The Cornell Note-Taking System

The Cornell Note-taking System outlines a structured note-taking process with 5 steps: 1) record key ideas and information during lecture or reading, leaving spaces to add questions later; 2) write questions about the notes after class or reading; 3) recite the cue words aloud to reinforce understanding; 4) reflect on the material by asking questions; 5) spend at least 10 minutes weekly reviewing previous notes. The system uses a page divided into sections for cues, notes, and summaries to facilitate questioning, reviewing, and clarifying concepts.

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340 views2 pages

The Cornell Note-Taking System

The Cornell Note-taking System outlines a structured note-taking process with 5 steps: 1) record key ideas and information during lecture or reading, leaving spaces to add questions later; 2) write questions about the notes after class or reading; 3) recite the cue words aloud to reinforce understanding; 4) reflect on the material by asking questions; 5) spend at least 10 minutes weekly reviewing previous notes. The system uses a page divided into sections for cues, notes, and summaries to facilitate questioning, reviewing, and clarifying concepts.

Uploaded by

jar7991
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Cornell Note-taking System1

On a sheet of note paper draw lines to divide the paper as below.


Have a number of sheets available during class lectures or while reading a textbook.

2.5

Cue Column

Note-taking Column

Write short words, questions, or


statements that serve as cues to the
more substantial notes in the notetaking column

1. Record: During the lecture or while reading a chapter use this


column to capture key ideas and information. Leave spaces between
notes to add questions later. Fill in the Cue Column as you go or as
you complete the questions process below.
2. Questions: As soon after class as possible (or after reading the text)
write in questions about the notes in this column. Writing questions
helps clarify meanings, reveal relationships, establish continuity, and
strengthen memory. Also, writing questions sets the stage for test
preparation later in the semester.
3. Recite: Cover the note-taking column with a sheet of paper. Then,
looking at the cue words only, say aloud, in your own words, what they
refer to. Speaking aloud reveals more clearly what you understand and
what is less clear to you. It also strengthens memory and helps relate
major ideas more clearly.
4. Reflect: Reflect on the material by asking yourself questions, for
example: What is the significance of these facts? What principles are
they based on? How can I apply them? How do they fit in with what I
already know? Whats beyond them?
5. Review: Spend at least ten minutes every week reviewing all your
previous notes. If you do, youll retain a great deal of knowledge for
current use, as well as for the exam.

Summary
2

After class or after finishing a chapter, use this space at the bottom of each page to summarize the
notes on that page. Summarizing (i.e. restating material in a much shorter space) requires
distinguishing primary from supporting ideas and the relationships among main points. This is
good critical thinking practice and helps clarify your understanding.

Adapted from How to Study in College 7/e by Walter Pauk, 2001 Houghton Mifflin Company

Cornell Notes
Course or text

Cue Column

Lecture or chapter

Note-taking Column

Summary

Date

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